Points of Blue meeting

[Wonderwall]

The next Points of Blue meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 2.
It will take place in the Mancunian Suite at the City of Manchester Stadium, starting at 6.30pm.

This was the October meeting minutes.

Points of Blue
Minutes of Meeting – 6th October 2010
Club represented by Vicky Kloss,
Chief Communications Officer, Danny Wilson,
Head of Supporter Experience, Peter Fletcher,
Head of Safety & Security, Steven Robinson,
Ticket Sales Manager, Neil Worcester,
Head of Catering Operations and Simon Pile,
General Catering Manager – Lindley.

Ticketing

Ticket purchase/information on the website is very poor. Ticket section of the site does not adequately show tickets on sale for away games. When will online selling start for away matches so that we can avoid the premium rate phone line and the booking charges (per ticket)?
CLUB RESPONSE: We accept that there are a number of issues with the existing ticketing site and that it is lacking certain functionality. We have undertaken an extensive review of our current and future needs and a new ticketing website, with improved functionality, will be launched in April/May. The 0870 number will be phased out over the coming months and replaced with an 0161
number. This will be far cheaper for supporters to call and will be accessible to supporters overseas. There are no plans to remove booking fees for tickets purchased over the telephone at this stage. Online purchases do not incur a booking fee.

Cup Games Direct scheme – poorly advertised/managed, multiple phone calls needed to secure home tickets.
CLUB RESPONSE: Over 5,500 Seasoncard holders have signed up to the scheme, more than last season. The plan was to enable Seasoncard holders to sign up to the scheme online during the renewal process and also to be asked when renewing at the Ticket Office or over the phone. However, we experienced last minute technical issues with the website and this service was not
available online. Online sign up will be incorporated into the new site, both at the time of renewal and at any subsequent time prior to the opening match in the respective competition.

Why was the ticket office telling fans that they couldn't buy tickets for empty Seasoncard seats in East Level 2 for the Timisoara game? They might want to create a better atmosphere by filling the lower tier first, but fans who wanted to sit with friends in EL2 were told it was "sold out".
CLUB RESPONSE: This should not have been the case. Whilst we always aim to fill Level 1 first, where a supporter wants to sit with friends on Level 2 or 3 and seats are available, we will allocate the seats. On matchday, in order to speed up service at the Ticket Office, we invariably sell pre-printed tickets on a best available basis. We always try to encourage supporters to buy tickets in advance.

Why does it cost a Seasoncard holder extra money to bring a friend to games as you have to sell back your seat for 1/19 of a Seasoncard, and then buy another that costs more money?
CLUB RESPONSE: This seems to be a case of wrong advice. We will follow up with relevant staff. Moving Seasoncard holders from their usual seat to sit with others should not be a problem and the Seasoncard holder should not incur additional cost for their new seat.

You still start selling tickets for some away games without telling us about it.
CLUB RESPONSE: A ticket news story is always posted on the website before tickets for the respective match go on sale. However, if the links from the „Fixtures‟ page are not updated and if it‟s a busy news day, it can be difficult to locate the information. We‟ll look into this in more detail. We‟ll also investigate the potential introduction of sms and/or email ticketing alerts.

Why couldn’t the loyalty point bands for Blackpool tickets have been narrower? People with higher points missed out to those with fewer.
CLUB RESPONSE: To a certain extent, we are in a no win situation. Some supporters want us to drop the points quickly to ensure that they benefit from cheaper travel whilst others think that we should drop very slowly. We do have to make a judgment call about how many points to start with, how many to reduce by and when. We don‟t know which band will be the one when tickets sell out. Those supporters in the opening band are always guaranteed a ticket if they buy in their respective exclusive window. We look at historic and current sales data but it‟s not always possible to predict demand. Those supporters in the higher bands have only accrued such points by attending a lot of matches but different supporters miss different matches for
different reasons.

Charging Seasoncard holders for reserve matches at Hyde.
CLUB RESPONSE: We are fully committed to providing the best possible platform to attract and develop young players. Over the last 18 months, considerable investment has been made in the Academy facilities, coaching team and supporting infrastructure. The creation of the Elite Development Squad (EDS) earlier this year, the announcement of our partnership with Hyde FC and the subsequent improvements to facilities at Ewen Fields (the regular home for EDS matches) for supporters, players and officials alike reinforces this commitment. The club‟s decision to charge supporters (including Seasoncard holders) to attend EDS matches comes on the back of this investment, our commitment to an improved on-pitch product and the associated increase in operating costs when compared to the Regional Athletics Arena. Whilst we didn‟t include free admission to EDS games in the list of Seasoncard benefits in this year‟s renewal pack, we should have communicated the change in policy through the website and match programme. This is now the case.

Website

Can the fixture list on the website link to Mac and PC calendars - and more importantly update with fixture changes. Arsenal's does.
CLUB RESPONSE: There is a function on the „Fixtures‟ page of the website – „Add to calendar‟ – which adds the latest fixtures to any calendar that supports iCal. However, this does not currently update automatically when fixtures are rearranged. We are looking to develop the application to provide such updates.

Are the club looking into the recent issues of the website not recognising supporters ‘log in’ details?
CLUB RESPONSE: We are aware of a number of supporters who have experienced issues when attempting to log in to either the ticketing or merchandise sites. This is primarily due to technical issues with the transfer and validation of data between the „front end‟ of the website (which is seen by supporters) and the „back end‟ database. The integration of the new merchandise sales site, managed by Kitbag, has also resulted in log in issues for some supporters. We are confident that these issues have now been resolved. However, the introduction of the new ticketing system in the spring will eliminate these issues.

Catering

Food pricing increases, fleecing a captive audience, not good for 'customer relations'. Still some issues with outlets and queues.
CLUB RESPONSE: We are aware of these issues and we are working hard with our catering partner Lindley to improve service levels, product offering and speed of sale. We held two sampling evenings (total of 90 supporters attending) in July and received very positive feedback on the range of food to be offered. Pricing is matched against other entertainment venues rather than supermarkets and local outlets, who do not have the problems of selling a lot of product in a short space of time on a few occasions. We‟ve introduced a fast lane for beer and containers to carry four and six pints. We are also trialling two-pint pots in certain parts of the stadium to ease congestion at the bars. The new dispensers installed this summer (which are now fully operational across the stadium) can “pull” a pint in three seconds; pre-pouring will speed up queues but some supporters are resistant to this. Staff are being given coloured T-shirts to distinguish (for example) between those dispensing beer and those taking money. Alcohol outlets must shut after half-time but food outlets can stay open, but it may just be one kiosk in each section. In the future, we‟ll be offering more meal deals and “specials” at particular matches – these have already proved popular in City Square. Ideally, we would like to redesign how all 48 outlets work, however there are a number of physical constraints. This might involve a pre-pay card system linked to the Seasoncard.

Stadium

Why can't we have team lists on the video screen instead of the score. We know the score.
CLUB RESPONSE: We are looking into ways of displaying the teams on the screens during the match. However, the screens are not big enough to display both teams at the same time. Scrolling text at the foot of the screen, similar to Sky Sports News, is being considered.

Any idea as to what ADUG actually have in their minds for the Stadium?
CLUB RESPONSE: Through the ongoing feasibility study, we have looked at different ways of increasing capacity. The owners clearly want to grow the supporter base, and having the capacity to match, but nothing will happen overnight. Any arrangements to vary the lease may have to remain confidential.

Can we have a roof that covers the majority of fans?
CLUB RESPONSE: The roof line covers all supporters, but to keep the rain off all supporters in all conditions would entail alterations that are currently too complex.

Although the North Stand relocation undoubtedly annoyed a lot of adults, the changes they've made down that end are excellent in my opinion and all the kids down there seem to love running about the place at half time. The younger, friendlier-looking stewards are a nice touch! Are there plans to keep things fresh by changing the installations on a regular basis?
CLUB RESPONSE: We consider the new Family Stand to be a great success. We‟ve received a lot of positive feedback from supporters (located inside and outside the Family Stand). We are aware of the need to keep it fresh. Some of the features will be updated from time to time and we are always looking to have different activities on the concourse – face painters, magicians, football freestylers etc. We appreciate the problems for those who had to move, but are grateful for the general support for the concept, which is unique (on this scale) in the Premier League.

Will there be any consultation over the so-called premium package for East and Colin Bell Stand Level 2 next season, or will it just be imposed?
CLUB RESPONSE: The exact nature of the changes are yet to be confirmed. We will be communicating with all impacted Seasoncard holders in due course.

City Square: This is a useful addition for spring and summer or even a crisp autumn / winter day, but it’s too much like a sheep pen at the moment. And any progress with replacement room for the Supporters Club for matchdays?
CLUB RESPONSE: The license limits the capacity of the bar area, so this has to be monitored. We hope, if it‟s managed well, the authority may relax the limit in the future and we can move the barriers outwards. We consider City Square to have been a great success to date, even though we‟ve had some terrible weather! We are in continuous dialogue with senior officials from the Supporters Club in relation to a matchday facility. At present, an alternative location has yet to be found.

Smoking (and other misdemeanours).
CLUB RESPONSE: This is the biggest single issue that we face on match day, with between 15 and 20 supporters ejected at each game for smoking. These supporters each receive at least a three-game ban. Some supporters complain to the local authority, who are satisfied that we are doing all we can to prevent smoking (e.g. in toilets) consistent with public safety. Smoking in the toilets and on the concourse is against the law. On the towers it is against both the Club policy and the Council policy.

Benches on Joe Mercer Way now removed - buggy for disabled fans from North Car Park was not working at the Newcastle match.
CLUB RESPONSE: All of the benches on Joe Mercer Way were lifted to paint the floor. During this process, two of the benches fell apart and were deemed unusable. There are a number of benches at the north end of Joe Mercer Way and plenty in and around City Square. We had technical issues with the buggy on the day of the Newcastle match for which we apologise. The service will resume at the Lech Poznan match and we are also looking to commence a postmatch operation.

Traffic and Transport

Why is traffic stopped from exiting the North Car Park until almost every fan has gone?
CLUB RESPONSE: We‟re not aware of a change of policy but we will check with the Police.

Not enough special buses back to town - lots of people left after initial departures, waiting for traffic to move again so inbound service buses along Ashton New Road can get there.
CLUB RESPONSE: We are in discussion with the bus operator Stagecoach about bus provision to and from the stadium. Ultimately, it is Stagecoach‟s commercial choice about how many buses to provide. We will forward this feedback to Stagecoach.

Merchandise

The stuff that we sell is good but I don’t think we have enough variety (citing merchandise available at an American baseball team – from golf equipment to a gas barbecue cover). There is a lack of larger clothing sizes for men in a number of the ranges, and the sizes of ladies garments don’t correlate with the respective sizes at other retailers.
CLUB RESPONSE: Kitbag, our retail partner, are happy with the current range of clothing. The Umbro replica and training kit is arguably the best around. Sizes are fixed by Umbro, and different sizes may have limited demand and be subject to significant minimum order quantities.Kitbag offer a far wider range of accessories and non-clothing products at other clubs and they
will be introducing new lines over the coming months.

Miscellaneous

Matchday programmes – where can we buy these from?
CLUB RESPONSE: There are a significant number of programme sales kiosks inside and outside the stadium. Programmes are also available from the store. There is currently no outlet for programmes from previous matches.

Credit card sized fixture lists - could the club do a pdf version which fans can print?
CLUB RESPONSE: In previous seasons, we have printed and distributed credit card size fixture lists. However, we had a lot of negative feedback from supporters that within days of receipt, a number of the fixtures had changed. We prefer to direct supporters to the website for the up to date list. We will explore the potential provision of a printable download, although communication via mobile phone applications/calendar applications would be more likely.

Fixtures: why are we away first and last games again? Why is the derby midweek? Why is the O/T derby in Munich week again? Does the club not challenge the fixtures?
CLUB RESPONSE: Each season, the Premier League asks each club about which club should be away when you‟re at home and vice versa, who do you not want to play on public holidays, and any other requirements. We‟ve not had a derby (League) allocated to an evening for decades, and hadn‟t included it in things to avoid. Only in exceptional circumstances will such requests be considered. Ultimately, the system creates the fixtures and there‟s not a lot that we can do to change it.

It’s galling to see empty seats in the executive areas, do the club really want to drive fans out of level 2 and be replaced with empty seats?
CLUB RESPONSE: Level 2 of the East Stand has been full for most matches this season and the „Executive Seats‟ on Level 2 of the Colin Bell Stand are almost sold to capacity on a seasonal basis. There is a high level of demand for these lower priced packages. The high value Boardroom Suite and Mancunian Suite packages have not been sold out for all matches and this, combined with visiting club officials not taking their full allocation of seats in the Directors Box, has resulted in a number of empty seats on Level 2 of the Colin Bell Stand. For Europa League matches, UEFA rules state that we have got to offer 200 of the „Executive Seats‟ on Colin Bell Stand Level 2 to the visiting club. Neither FC Timisoara nor Juventus took their full allocation for the respective match.

Any update on a museum?
CLUB RESPONSE: We are looking for a lasting and central location. It is very much still high on the agenda. (PoB query about memorabilia being auctioned at the stadium.) It‟s a private sale, but the club will look at whether we want to acquire any particular items.

To conclude,

Vicky Kloss outlined the club‟s response to the manufactured furore over Nigel de Jong‟s tackle on Ben Arfa in the Newcastle game. Banning journalists (or newspapers or other media) is not our normal response, especially as it is usually disagreeable but not defamatory comment. We expect journalists to contact us for confirmation of stories, but the main aim is part of the long-term project to change attitudes, including contact with London-based journalists as we are now of “national” interest.

[Wonderwall]

Why can't we have team lists on the video screen instead of the score. We know the score.
CLUB RESPONSE: We are looking into ways of displaying the teams on the screens during the match. However, the screens are not big enough to display both teams at the same time. Scrolling text at the foot of the screen, similar to Sky Sports News, is being considered.

OK which knobhead asked that? You know the score but not the players? FFS look at the pitch and not the screens.

[Im_Spartacus]

It’s galling to see empty seats in the executive areas, do the club really want to drive fans out of level 2 and be replaced with empty seats?
CLUB RESPONSE: Level 2 of the East Stand has been full for most matches this season and the „Executive Seats‟ on Level 2 of the Colin Bell Stand are almost sold to capacity on a seasonal basis. There is a high level of demand for these lower priced packages. The high value Boardroom Suite and Mancunian Suite packages have not been sold out for all matches and this, combined with visiting club officials not taking their full allocation of seats in the Directors Box, has resulted in a number of empty seats on Level 2 of the Colin Bell Stand. For Europa League matches, UEFA rules state that we have got to offer 200 of the „Executive Seats‟ on Colin Bell Stand Level 2 to the visiting club. Neither FC Timisoara nor Juventus took their full allocation for the respective match.

That, frankly is absolute shite.

The seats in the middle of the CB have been empty all season with the exception of the derby. Aside from this, look around the ground on any matchday and 50% of the boxes are empty. Other clubs seem to manage, how come so consistently the away club is not taking up their allocation of premium tickets that they do at other grounds? Its bollocks about away fans, the fact is that the club are failing HUGELY in their attempts to attract premium supporters, and therefore there should be consideration of this before they start fucking everyone in CB t2 around next season.

People are not fucking interested in the premium shite that the club want to offer for extra cost, when what the club offer is "shite" at "premium" prices already with £3.80 pints, £3.50 pies and £2.50 bottles of coke (reasonable compared to the markup on the other shit) which would otherwise cost £1 for other profit making organisations.

I note that the club avoided entirely the "cost" question about the catering and capitve audience, simply suggesting that they cant retail like a supermarket - utter fucking shite. The club has 48000 people visiting 48 bars/food outlets. The club ALWAYS runs out of food, so they cannot use the excuse that they had waste to account for, and the beer keeps for next week. They are in a better position than a supermarket in that they know they will only have 2/3 hours to trade, and that throughout that period they will be incredibly busy and sell ALL perishable goods in that time at a 3/400% markup, despite paying only £15 per employee - which averages out at 4 employees per bar, eg a total wage cost of £2880 per week. Assuming that every product is marked up by AT least £1, that only needs 2880 people to buy from the catering facilities to break even.

Assuming that 75% of the people in the ground will purchase a product, that equates to £33,000 clear profit. Supermarkets can only dream of those margins. To suggest otherwise, or to avoid the cost issue shows what contempt the club have for the fans.

I respect the club's right to try to make money from the fans, but the prices take the fucking piss

[BlueMoonAwoken]

fucking smoking issues leave us the fuck alone.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Why can't we have team lists on the video screen instead of the score. We know the score.
CLUB RESPONSE: We are looking into ways of displaying the teams on the screens during the match. However, the screens are not big enough to display both teams at the same time. Scrolling text at the foot of the screen, similar to Sky Sports News, is being considered.

OK which knobhead asked that? You know the score but not the players? FFS look at the pitch and not the screens.

I thought that was retarded question. I'm sure in some parallel universe in galaxy far far away there are football teams that show both line ups AND the score on the screen.

The smoking issue keeps going on and on and on. Easy solution would be to build properly ventilated smoking areas or rooms.

[Original Dub]

I think so too.

for fuck sake, they even have indoor, ventalated smoking areas in airports now.
I don't smoke anymore, but to expect smokers to spend over two hours in such a tense environment and not chance their arm - then ban them for three games when caught - semms fucking stupid to me.

Its a match day "experience" and as long as that experience doesn't affect someone else's experience, the club should cator for everything IMO.

[Nickyboy]

I think so too.

for fuck sake, they even have indoor, ventalated smoking areas in airports now.
I don't smoke anymore, but to expect smokers to spend over two hours in such a tense environment and not chance their arm - then ban them for three games when caught - semms fucking stupid to me.

Its a match day "experience" and as long as that experience doesn't affect someone else's experience, the club should cator for everything IMO.

They should just allow smoking on the outside edges of the spirals - tens of people do it anyway and it causes no harm

[Beefymcfc]

I think so too.

for fuck sake, they even have indoor, ventalated smoking areas in airports now.
I don't smoke anymore, but to expect smokers to spend over two hours in such a tense environment and not chance their arm - then ban them for three games when caught - semms fucking stupid to me.

Its a match day "experience" and as long as that experience doesn't affect someone else's experience, the club should cator for everything IMO.

They should just allow smoking on the outside edges of the spirals - tens of people do it anyway and it causes no harm

Hundreds of people do it mate and there's usually no problems. It only seems to happen when there's just one or two people lingering, when there's a crowd not a word is said.

[lets all have a disco]

Every smoker should be given one of these on entry.



Then you can smoke away at your hearts content and then deposit the smoke in safe manner at the end of the match.


PEACE.

[Blue Since 76]

I think so too.

for fuck sake, they even have indoor, ventalated smoking areas in airports now.
I don't smoke anymore, but to expect smokers to spend over two hours in such a tense environment and not chance their arm - then ban them for three games when caught - semms fucking stupid to me.

Its a match day "experience" and as long as that experience doesn't affect someone else's experience, the club should cator for everything IMO.

It's 2 hours. If a person can't manage to not smoke for 2 hours, they need help. How do they go on holiday? Or sleep? The law states you can't smoke indoors, which covers most of the ground, so there's little the club can do.

Personally, I like sitting there with the old fella hanging out, but, since moving to the family stand, I've been told I'm not allowed to anymore. It's hard, literally, for the 2 hours, but I'm coping through the use of gum and a false arm I keep on the outside of my trousers.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I think so too.

for fuck sake, they even have indoor, ventalated smoking areas in airports now.
I don't smoke anymore, but to expect smokers to spend over two hours in such a tense environment and not chance their arm - then ban them for three games when caught - semms fucking stupid to me.

Its a match day "experience" and as long as that experience doesn't affect someone else's experience, the club should cator for everything IMO.

They should just allow smoking on the outside edges of the spirals - tens of people do it anyway and it causes no harm

Now see there you are wrong. Judging from what Vicky said there I'd guess Manchester Fire Department has said that there should be no smoking on the "towers". It's something Club can not just overrule.

I've had installed few of these smoking room packages and they are quite cheap and easy to install. All they need to do is to make structures fire safe around the area which isn't too expensive either.

I don't know how they got taking care of the ground but they must have some engineers and they would know these things and would've suggested them in the past I believe considering what a problem it is. This is all about Clubs principle of keeping the place non-smoking. Even as a non-smoker (I quit six years ago) I don't agree with that decision though. There are loads of people who want to have a ciggie in half time and they should be able to do it imo.

[Original Dub]

I think so too.

for fuck sake, they even have indoor, ventalated smoking areas in airports now.
I don't smoke anymore, but to expect smokers to spend over two hours in such a tense environment and not chance their arm - then ban them for three games when caught - semms fucking stupid to me.

Its a match day "experience" and as long as that experience doesn't affect someone else's experience, the club should cator for everything IMO.

It's 2 hours. If a person can't manage to not smoke for 2 hours, they need help. How do they go on holiday? Or sleep? The law states you can't smoke indoors, which covers most of the ground, so there's little the club can do.

Personally, I like sitting there with the old fella hanging out, but, since moving to the family stand, I've been told I'm not allowed to anymore. It's hard, literally, for the 2 hours, but I'm coping through the use of gum and a false arm I keep on the outside of my trousers.

As long as you're not causing any harm or offence to others, you're matchday experience shoule be catored for. It is an event and most events that involve drinking and entertainment have a designated smoking area. Even in the fucking airport.

The richest club in the world should also have that.

And yes, most smokers do need help. You say it like its not one of the most addictive things on the planet.

Actually, maybe you just thought of something completely groundbreaking - ban the sale of cigarettes!! Because, if people need to smoke regularly, they need help.

:)

[Scatman]

Why can't we have team lists on the video screen instead of the score. We know the score.
CLUB RESPONSE: We are looking into ways of displaying the teams on the screens during the match. However, the screens are not big enough to display both teams at the same time. Scrolling text at the foot of the screen, similar to Sky Sports News, is being considered.

OK which knobhead asked that? You know the score but not the players? FFS look at the pitch and not the screens.

That's bollox. Whilst we will probably all be aware of who is playing for us, not everybody knows who Timisoara's centre half is, or even the Wolves keeper for that matter. I'd rather be able to find out for free during the game than have to pay £3 for a programme.

[john68]

In fairness to the club regarding the no smoking rule. There is little they can do about it. The law governs policy inside the ground and the City council have a zero tolerance policy in all buildings they have a connection with.
To be fair to the club, they can be heavily fined if they allow any smoking inside the stadium.
Outside on the towers, they simply turn a blind eye and ignore what goes on.

If you want to smoke, simply get a ticket that has access to the towers and you're pretty much sorted.
Maybe a bit of give and take and it seems to work fine.

[Im_Spartacus]

I think so too.

for fuck sake, they even have indoor, ventalated smoking areas in airports now.
I don't smoke anymore, but to expect smokers to spend over two hours in such a tense environment and not chance their arm - then ban them for three games when caught - semms fucking stupid to me.

Its a match day "experience" and as long as that experience doesn't affect someone else's experience, the club should cator for everything IMO.

They should just allow smoking on the outside edges of the spirals - tens of people do it anyway and it causes no harm

Now see there you are wrong. Judging from what Vicky said there I'd guess Manchester Fire Department has said that there should be no smoking on the "towers". It's something Club can not just overrule.

I've had installed few of these smoking room packages and they are quite cheap and easy to install. All they need to do is to make structures fire safe around the area which isn't too expensive either.

Its a political decision, maybe enforced or sanctioned by the fire brigade, but it has fuck all to do with public safety

I have yet to see concrete set on fire

[Beefymcfc]

I think so too.

for fuck sake, they even have indoor, ventalated smoking areas in airports now.
I don't smoke anymore, but to expect smokers to spend over two hours in such a tense environment and not chance their arm - then ban them for three games when caught - semms fucking stupid to me.

Its a match day "experience" and as long as that experience doesn't affect someone else's experience, the club should cator for everything IMO.

They should just allow smoking on the outside edges of the spirals - tens of people do it anyway and it causes no harm

Now see there you are wrong. Judging from what Vicky said there I'd guess Manchester Fire Department has said that there should be no smoking on the "towers". It's something Club can not just overrule.

I've had installed few of these smoking room packages and they are quite cheap and easy to install. All they need to do is to make structures fire safe around the area which isn't too expensive either.

Its a political decision, maybe enforced or sanctioned by the fire brigade, but it has fuck all to do with public safety

I have yet to see concrete set on fire

RPGs will help you there mate ;-)

[Wonderwall]

Why can't we have team lists on the video screen instead of the score. We know the score.
CLUB RESPONSE: We are looking into ways of displaying the teams on the screens during the match. However, the screens are not big enough to display both teams at the same time. Scrolling text at the foot of the screen, similar to Sky Sports News, is being considered.

OK which knobhead asked that? You know the score but not the players? FFS look at the pitch and not the screens.

That's bollox. Whilst we will probably all be aware of who is playing for us, not everybody knows who Timisoara's centre half is, or even the Wolves keeper for that matter. I'd rather be able to find out for free during the game than have to pay £3 for a programme.

If you actually want to know who the Timisoara's centre half is, get there before kick off and watch the screen as the names are read out or listen to the announcer

[john68]

@ Spartacus,
You are right about it being a political decision. It is a general policy that all smoking is banned in all buildings that the Manchester city council have any interest in.
Last year, Cllr Carney wanted to ban smokers from standing on the street outside buildings.